Jacques Saadé (February 7, 1937 – June 24, 2018) was a French-Lebanese billionaire businessman renowned for founding and leading CMA CGM, one of the world’s largest container transportation and shipping companies. Under his visionary leadership, CMA CGM became the fourth largest shipping group globally, known for its innovative approaches and commitment to sustainability.
Early Life and Education
Born in Beirut, Lebanon, to a Syrian entrepreneur, Rodolph Saadé, and a Lebanese mother, Odette Nauphal, Jacques spent his early years in Syria. After graduating from high school, he pursued economics at the London School of Economics, where he honed his business acumen. In 1957, upon completing his studies, he returned to Lebanon to take over the family business after his father’s untimely death.
Career Beginnings
Initially focused on traditional trading, Saadé’s interests shifted towards shipping after a pivotal internship in New York, where he was introduced to the concept of containerization, a revolutionary method of transporting goods. Inspired, he recognized its potential to transform logistics.
Founding CMA CGM
The Lebanese Civil War in 1978 forced Saadé to relocate to Marseille, France, where he established Compagnie Maritime d’Affrètement (CMA) with his brother Johnny. The company initially operated routes between Marseille, Beirut, and Syria. Overcoming familial disputes, Jacques took sole control and strategically expanded the company’s operations.
By the mid-1980s, Saadé began extending CMA’s services beyond the Mediterranean. His foresight led him to target the burgeoning Asian market, opening a regional office in Shanghai in 1992. The acquisition of Compagnie Générale Maritime (CGM) in 1996, followed by the merger of CMA and CGM in 1999, solidified his company’s position in the global shipping landscape.
Expansion and Achievements
Saadé’s entrepreneurial spirit and keen insight into market trends propelled CMA CGM’s growth. By the early 2000s, the company became the third-largest shipping group worldwide. His strategic acquisitions, including DELMAS and Cheng Lie Navigation Ltd, helped expand CMA CGM’s global reach and operational capabilities.
In 2011, he oversaw the construction of the CMA CGM Tower in Marseille, a striking 147-meter skyscraper designed by Zaha Hadid, which symbolizes the company’s influence and commitment to innovation.
Despite challenges such as the 2007–2008 financial crisis, Saadé remained resolute, maintaining the company’s integrity and navigating through turbulent times with the support of his family, particularly his son Rodolphe, who later took on the role of CEO.
Recognition and Legacy
Throughout his career, Saadé received numerous accolades, including being named Personality of the Year by Seatrade in 2007 and an Officer of the French Legion of Honor in 2009. His commitment to environmental sustainability earned CMA CGM a reputation as a leader in reducing emissions in the shipping industry.
Jacques Saadé passed away on June 24, 2018, leaving behind a legacy characterized by resilience, innovation, and a commitment to excellence in the shipping industry. His influence continues through CMA CGM, which remains a pillar of global commerce and a model for family-run businesses.
Personal Life
Saadé was married to Naila and had two children, Rodolphe and Tanya, both of whom are involved in the family business. Known for his private nature, he was passionate about education and philanthropy, establishing the Jacques Saadé Foundation to support educational initiatives in Lebanon and France.
Saadé’s journey from a young entrepreneur in Lebanon to a titan of global shipping serves as an inspiring testament to the power of vision and perseverance in the face of adversity.
